[PrincessPerky]

Hitting is NOT ok, even if your son was teasing the boy, hitting is NOT ok...I don't care if kids do tend to do it, it is still not ok.

You are not to blame for someone else's kids hitting yours, not in the slightest. I do not feel a 10 year old is too young to be alone for a short time, though in your current living situation you may want to change for a time. (though I would think taking time off work to be there for the hour, putzing in the garage where you can watch would help more than removing him)

I also do not feel a 10 year old should have to know how to deal with someone who hits over an accidental injury...folks get hurt all the time, kids and adults cannot react with fists if we want to claim civilization.

13, 10, 5, 6 don't care the age, hitting is not a solution to getting accidentally hurt, did it make the 6 year olds finger feel better?

While you may not be able to talk with the father you prolly can talk with the boys...your own should be told this is not his fault nor yours (if you feel guilty how do you think you are making him feel? Don't turn him or you into a victim), though there are some ways to avoid a situation in the future (leave the vicinity? not hang out with them? practice answering rudeness with 'sugar')

And the neighbor boys should be told under no uncertain terms do you feel hitting was an acceptable solution to a minor injury, and if they cannot control themselves you WILL be calling the police. Sorry, I know police are busy, but if no one steps in to teach correct behavior kids will have to be taken care of. Assault is not ok just because the perpetrator is under 18.

After the talks, then you let em play while you are around (but not hovering), watch what happens if fists are raised step in, if words are exchanged make a mental note and speak to your own about their reaction to it. If play is 'lopsided' again speak to your own about how they dealt with it, and how they could change if needed. Not easy, and very time consuming, but necessary IMO, kids need help understanding just what they can and cannot do, as well as what they can and cannot ignore. (consider the number of folks living in abusive situations right now, because getting hit was 'no big deal')

I am in general a hands off parent, but if the safety of a child is at stake I believe in stepping in.